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Monday, December 8, 2014

LIVE Show Shots: Ultrahazard at Reggies 11/15/14 #PhotoRecap

Check out Chicago's own girl fronted punk band, Ultrahazard, formerly known as When Flying Feels Like Falling. They're still under age but these punk kin can rock. We dig these colorful characters, Violet & Saffron, whose names don't match their pink n blue hair. Check out our full photo recap from their November 15th gig opening for Reagan Youth at Reggies.



Photo/Video credit: Dug Mara for ChiIL Live Shows





Ultrahazard LIVE at 
Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago 
Nov 15, 2014




Follow them on FB for future Gigs and more info here.





A Few Favorites:


















The Band Formerly Known As...



Saturday, December 6, 2014

CORRECTIONS HOUSE, StatiqBloom, Vukari at Cobra Lounge Monday (21+)

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar



UNHOLY EMPIRE X-MAS PARTY
CORRECTIONS HOUSE
STATIQBLOOM
VUKARI



DOORS: 7:00 PM / SHOW: 8:00 PM
THIS EVENT IS 21 AND OVER
Monday Dec 8, 2014
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 8:00 PM
21 and over
$12 - $15

Tickets HERE


TONIGHT: Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Exodus at Horseshoe Casino (21+)

INCOMING: Who's down for some heavy duty music therapy tonight?! Get there early for openers Exodus. We caught Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies at the past 2 Chicago Riot Fests respectively and they've still got it and more. They killed it live. If you live for inhumanly fast riffs and punk tinged metal, go already. You'll regret it if you miss this.



Slayer with special guests Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus hit the stage at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Saturday, December 6 at 7:30pm.



Check out Gary Holt, guitar player in Slayer, on the new EXODUS album, entitled Blood In, Blood Out, newly released October 14, 2014 via Nuclear Blast records.

Check out ‘Salt The Wound’ featuring Metallica’s Kirk Hammett (who originally played in Exodus before joining Metallica). This puppy had over 100,000 views in less than 24 hours! Exodus has over a million FB fans and countless “regular” fans (ha) worldwide! Also one of the original singers, Steve “Zetro” Souza is BACK in the band for this new album.

EXODUS ‘Salt The Wound’ 
Featuring METALLICA’s Kirk Hammett 


New Album “Blood In, Blood Out” Available October 14, 2014 via Nuclear Blast

Bay Area thrash metal pioneers EXODUS unleash their blistering new track ‘Salt The Wound’, which features an intense guitar solo from none other than original EXODUS/Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett! ‘Salt The Wound’ is cut from the new EXODUS album Blood In, Blood Out, which hit stores on October 14, 2014 in North America via Nuclear Blast. 

Guitarist Gary Holt explains that Hammett was more than ready to play on Blood In, Blood Out. “Having Kirk play on the new EXODUS record kind of came about after I played so many shows with Metallica while touring with Slayer over the past four year. It started the same way most of these things do, as a lot of chatter while having a good time, but Kirk was more stoked to play on the new record than anyone. He never got to play on anything with EXODUS since the first demo despite being a founding member, so I think it really meant a lot to him. Coming full circle so to speak. So I chose the song "Salt the Wound" since I thought the rhythm section for the first lead was right in his wheelhouse, and he killed it! He came in and busted out several takes and his solo compliments mine perfectly. Then we drank beer and ate barbecue! Epic time!”

“It felt really casual, really cool – just like it did back in 1980 when we were all just hanging out back in the day,” Kirk Hammett stated to RollingStone.com in July.

Kirk Hammett isn’t the only special guest to grace Blood In, Blood Out. Crafting an industrial sound bed on the intro to the album opener ‘Black 13’ is electronic music producer Dan the Automator (GORILLAZ, MIKE PATTON, DELTRON 3030), and TESTAMENT’s Chuck Billy lends his signature roar to the track ‘BTK.’

TASTY--Vegan Metal Meals! Did you catch EXODUSGary Holt Sept 10th as a guest judge on Top Chef Duels on Bravo! The guest judges panel also features fellow heavy metal frontrunners Rob Zombie and Scott Ian, judging a full vegan meal. For more information on the show, the judges and the contestants, click here.

Blood In, Blood Out now out. Get yours from  Nuclear Blast USA Webshop in CD, digi-pak, 2-LP exclusive yellow vinyl, and imported limited edition boxset formats.  Bundles include a t-shirt with exclusive artwork for North America + a poster (while supplies last). 

Track listing for the deluxe digi-pak version of Blood In, Blood Out is:
01 – Black 13 (featuring Dan the Automator)
02 – Blood In, Blood Out
03 – Collateral Damage
04 – Salt The Wound (featuring Kirk Hammett)
05 – Body Harvest
06 – BTK (featuring Chuck Billy)
07 – Wrapped In The Arms Of Rage
08 – My Last Nerve
09 – Numb
10 – Honor Killings
11 – Food For The Worms

BONUS DVD includes:
-“Blood Upon The Goat” making-of footage
-Behind-the-scenes tour footage
-Footage from Kirk Hammett’s Fear FestEVIL After Party at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con

The digital version of Blood In, Blood Out will include the digital bonus track “Angel Of Death” (ANGEL WITCH cover). The album’s Japanese edition includes the “Protect Not Dissect” bonus track featuring Rat from THE VARUKERS/DISCHARGE.

Produced by Andy Sneap (ACCEPT, KREATOR, MEGADETH), Blood In Blood Out features cover illustration by Swedish artist Par Olofsson (PSYCROPTIC, ABYSMAL DAWN, REVOCATION).

EXODUS will join fellow metal titans Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies on tour this November! The Scion-sponsored leg of this U.S. tour launched on November 11th with two shows at The Fox Theater in Oakland, California.  The 26-show trek includes nine headlining off-dates with additional performances to be announced soon.  Tickets are on sale now via the links on the official EXODUS Facebook page.

Due to the overwhelmingly demand, EXODUS VIP Experience packages are now available for the entire tour via SLOtix.com. Visit the site for tour package details. All EXODUS VIP Experience attendees will be included in a giveaway for either an autographed Gary Holt signature guitar or an EXODUS guitar.  At the end of the tour, Gary Holt will personally call the winner himself to announce that they’ve won!

EXODUS in North America with Slayer & Suicidal Tendencies
11/11 – The Fox Theater - Oakland, CA (2nd show added!)
11/12 – The Fox Theater - Oakland, CA
11/14 – The Forum - Inglewood, CA
11/15 – Comerica Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
11/17 – Coca Cola Bricktown Events Venter - Oklahoma City, OK
11/18 – ACL Live at the Moody Theater - Austin, TX
11/19 – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie - Grand Prairie (Dallas), TX
11/21 – Hard Rock Café/Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FL
11/22 – The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
11/23 – The Fillmore - Charlotte, NC (EXODUS ONLY)
11/24 - Empire - North Springfield, VA (EXODUS ONLY)
11/25 – Washington Avenue Armory - Albany, NY
11/26 – Sands Bethlehem Event Center - Bethlehem, PA
11/28 – The Palladium - Worcester, MA
11/29 – Wellmont Theatre - Montclair, NJ
11/30 – Tower Theater - Upper Darby (Philadelphia), PA
12/02 – Agora Theatre - Cleveland, OH
12/03 - Madison Theatre - Covington, KY (EXODUS ONLY)
12/04 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre - Indianapolis, IN
12/05 – The Fillmore Detroit - Detroit, MI
12/06--Horseshoe Casino--Hammond, IN 
12/07 - Aftershock - Merriam, KS (EXODUS ONLY)
12/08 - Gothic Theatre - Denver, CO (EXODUS ONLY)
12/09 - Pub Station - Billings, MT (EXODUS ONLY)
12/10 - The Hop - Spokane, WA (EXODUS ONLY)
12/11 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA  (EXODUS ONLY)
12/12 – Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR  (EXODUS ONLY)

Tickets are on sale now via the links on the official EXODUS Facebook page.

ABOUT EXODUS
With a career spanning 34 years, EXODUS have not only helped shape and define the thrash metal genre for over three decades, but continually seek to raise its standards. One of the forefathers of the Bay Area scene that became known and envied throughout the world, the band’s 1985 debut album, Bonded By Blood, has since become a legacy album featuring mandatory live staples such as "Strike Of The Beast," "A Lesson In Violence," and the album’s title track. Formed in 1980, the band’s original members included Tom Hunting on drums, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Tim Agnello on guitars, and Carlton Melson on bass. With a line-up that has evolved throughout the years, the current incarnation of EXODUS charges into the future with returning frontman Steve “Zetro” Souza on vocals, Gary Holt and Lee Altus on guitars, Tom Hunting on drums, and Jack Gibson on bass. In 2014, EXODUS closed the first half of the year with stellar performances at Kirk Hammett’s Fear FestEvil and Rock On The Range, as well as a groundbreaking tour with fellow thrash legends Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies. To date, EXODUS has released nine studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation. Their most recent release, Exhibit B: The Human Condition, debuted in the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in 2010.

Visit EXODUS online at www.EXODUSATTACK.com.



Wednesday, December 3, 2014

OPENING: The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater

Tonight ChiIL Mama and Sage will be reviewing at opening night of The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater. We like our holiday sugar and spice with a dash of the macabre, so we're very much looking forward to this tale of ship wrecks and evergreens. Check back for our full review shortly. The Christmas Schooner has been delighting audiences for hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre but this will be our first time to see it!





LIVELY NEW CAST OF THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue. 

A new cast of award-winning actors are set to bring new life to Chicago’s beloved holiday musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, running November 26 through December 28, 2014. Jeff Award winner Stef Tovar takes the helm as the Schooner’s new captain, alongside Brianna Borger as the Captain’s wife Alma Stossel. 


The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming musical story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. Hailed as "A sacred part of a Chicago Christmas!" by the Chicago Tribune, the production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. The production is helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene
Dizon (Musical Director) and Brenda Didier (Choreographer).

The shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons, known as 'The Christmas Tree Ship,' served as inspiration for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER. Her captain and crew risked the notoriously violent winter lake to bring Christmas trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago's German immigrants. Each year, Captain Herman Schuenemann would sell trees right off of the ship at the Clark Street Docks, and was known to give free trees to the needy. On November 23, 1912, the ship was swept up in a terrible storm. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water. Today the Rouse Simmons and her cargo of 5,500 well stacked trees remain preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan and her legend has grown to mythical proportions. The Blaine Nickelodeon - the silent film theater that now houses the Mercury - opened that very same year.


THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. A timely and uplifting tale of love, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is a poignant ode to the rich legacy of Chicago and a reminder of our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage. In 2011, Mercury Theater Chicago revived THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a "Best Production" nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The production has been called "A grand family tradition!" by the Chicago Tribune and "An inheritance to be treasured...Highly recommended!" by the Chicago Sun-Times. Time Out Chicago Kids says that "A slice of Chicago history and an emotion-packed, Christmas-themed tale of redemption give the Mercury Theater Chicago's production of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER all the trappings of a family holiday tradition in the making!"

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) and will be brought new life by cast members Jeff Award winner Stef Tovar as Peter Stossel, Brianna Borger as Alma Stossel, and James Wilson Sherman as Gustav Stossel. Rounding out the crew on this year's schooner voyage are William Anderson, Brian Bohr, Kelly Anne Clark, Jaclyn Dougherty, Elizabeth Lanza, Leah Morrow, Michael Pacas, Eric Parker, Jim Rank and Daniel Smeriglio. The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol J. Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service, dining at its adjoining restaurant, Deleece, and post-show libations at Cullen’s Bar & Grill. Under the leadership of Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Mercury Theater Chicago will follow THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with the devilishly delightful THE ADDAMS FAMILY– THE MUSICAL (...which we also can NOT wait to see here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows!!).

The performance schedule for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm and 7:30pm.

Individual tickets range from $25-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Friday, November 28, 2014

OPENING: Burning Bluebeard is Back at Theater Wit For 2014 #ChiILPicksList

Act Out:  Chicago Theatre openings, closings, reviews, giveaways, ticket sale dates and more. 

Chi, IL Live Shows on stage and on our radar.

Ode to Burning Bluebeard: How do we love thee... let me count the ways. How can a show about the most deadly single building fire in HISTORY be a family friendly holiday show?! How can we return year after year, like a moth to the flame, strangely drawn to this crispy cast of castaways, to look into their soot smudged faces and hear their stories? 





**Click here & scroll down to check out 5+ of our past Burning Bluebeard features.** 



There are many of our all time favs returning for the 2014 holiday season. Burning Bluebeard tops our list of must see remounts. It's too good to just see once, or even once a season. Highly recommended! ChiIL Live Shows/ChiILMama's ChiIL Picks List for best holiday theatre.

Burning Bluebeard won't break the bank and is an amazing dark comedy, with thought provoking dialogue and amusing physical play. We thoroughly enjoyed it the past two years, I took both kids the first year, at The Futurarium, because Anthony Courser (Bluebeard) had been their circus instructor for a while and they love to see their instructors in creative projects. But there's one intense scene (blackout/audio only recap of the fire) sensitive kids may have a tough time with. 

We'd give it a PG13/mature tweens and up rating, because of the macabre subject matter (600 people-primarily women & children trampled, burned & dying in a theatre fire!), though handled tastefully. Of course, every kid is different, and since mine are fairly theatre savvy and unflappable, they were 9 & 11 when we first saw it. If in doubt, do your research. 

Burning Bluebeard is based on a true slice of history that should be seen and remembered, especially if you frequently see shows at The Oriental Theatre. 110+ years after this tragedy, Burning Bluebeard depicts this horrific event many are completely unaware even happened, in a poignant and creative way. It's a moving tribute.  

 

With Chi-town favs Jay Torrence, as writer, and Halena Kays directing, this is an absolute must see. Much of the original cast is back again as well, and a true joy to watch in action. They all do a stellar job with the grim subject matter, evoking not only empathy and emotion but laughs as well. They had to drop the fire escape rap (one of our fav parts of the first show-though specific to the TMLMTBGB space they began in). Please please put it on YouTube for me or let us run it here on the blogs for posterity! Otherwise, we imagine the remount this year will be quite similar and every bit as effective for the 2nd time around at Theater Wit.

BURNING BLUEBEARD 2014 will also add Pam Chermansky to the cast, another of our friends and favorites here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows. My kids studied circus arts with both Pam and Anthony for several years. We also adore Molly Plunk, Jay Torrence, Leah Urzendowski Courser and Ryan Walters and have enjoyed their work in many places around town including 500 Clown, The Hypocrites, Actors Gym, Barrel of Monkeys and more.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


"Burning Bluebeard"

Written by Jay Torrence

and Directed by Halena Kays 
Returns for Three Weeks Only




Tickets on sale NOW!
December 13, 2014 through January 04, 2015
Burning Bluebeard
Theater Wit/Theater Three
The Ruffians
Visiting Company

The critically acclaimed holiday hit BURNING BLUEBEARD returns for its third Chicago production. Don't miss your chance to see this limited engagement three week run of this audience favorite show that has the entire city reliving a piece of Chicago history. 

Inspired by the true story of Chicago's 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, BURNING BLUEBEARD is the story of six singed clown performers who emerge from the burnt remains of history attempting to perform their spectacular 1903 Christmas Pantomime once and for all. But this time they hope to finally reach the true happy ending of their second act and avoid the fateful fire that killed 600 of its audience members. Don't miss your chance to see the whimsical delight, the poignant drama and stunning visual beauty that is BURNING BLUEBEARD.



"The entire show is gripping in its originality, intensity and boundary-crossing audacity."


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune.

"Outstanding."

4 STARS - Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago

"Whip smart and feverishly emotional."

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times

"Hilarious, Horrific and Holy."

-Chicago Reader

Running Time: 1 hour 30 minutes with no intermission

There is no late seating available for this production.

The Ruffians are an artistic collective of theater makers (clowns, daredevils, acrobats, dancers, writers, performers, designers, directors). The Ruffians have all honed their craft working over a decade in Chicago’s various and thriving experimental, clown and storefront theater communities. A Ruffians objective is to make beautiful things with rough edges. A Ruffians motto: Breathe. Dare. Live.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

TONIGHT: The Singles at LiveWire Lounge Chicago 11/25/14 (21+)

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar

US Tour 
Look How Fast A Heart Can Break LP Out Now


Photo Credit: Don Lupo

The Singles are Vince Frederick (guitar/lead vocals) and Nicky Veltman (drums/back-up vocals). Both originally from Detroit, the two joined forces in LA in 2012 to restart Vince's project The Singles. Their sound combines elements of garage rock, power pop, glam, blues, and punk. The band is now touring in support of their album Look How Fast A Heart Can Break, produced by Rick Parker (who has worked with bands including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, and Lord Huron). You can watch the new video for "We Don't Talk Anymore" on Brooklyn Vegan.


Tour Dates
11.05 - Ace of Cups - Columbus, OH
11.06 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH
11.07 - Cattivo - Pittsburgh, PA
11.08 - Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
11.09 - Silver Line Tap Room - Trumansburg, NY
11.10 - TT The Bear's - Cambridge, MA
11.11 - AS220 - Providence, RI
11.12 - BAR - New Haven, CT
11.13 - Pianos - New York, NY
11.15 - The Fire - Philadelphia, PA
11.16 - Galaxy Hut - Arlington, VA
11.17 - Pour House - Raleigh, NC
11.18 - Green Room - Athens, GA
11.19 - Mammal Gallery - Atlanta, GA
11.20 - The Basement - Nashville, TN
11.21 - Bar DKDC - Memphis, TN
11.22 - Heavy Anchor - St. Louis, MO
11.23 - New Vintage - Louisville, KY
11.24 - The Drinkery - Cincinnati, OH
11.25 - LiveWire Lounge - Chicago, IL
11.28 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, M

Links







THE SINGLES are Vince Frederick (guitar/lead vocals) and Nicky Veltman (drums/back-up vocals). Garage rock, power pop, glam, blues, and punk all find their way into the band’s sound. Both originally from Detroit, the two joined forces in LA in 2012 to restart The Singles — a moniker Vince had used in the past to release his songs.

With friend’s stepping in on bass, the band began playing locally as a 3-piece, bringing their raw, frenetic live show to the LA music scene. Things got serious once they met producer Rick Parker. Having worked with countless rock n’ roll bands (including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, and Lord Huron), he had the right energy and ideas to work with the duo. Together they went into the studio to record a full-length album.

The Singles released "Look How Fast A Heart Can Break" on April 1st, 2014 to critical acclaim in both the US and Europe. Neil Hussy at Shindig Magazine UK, said the album was filled with “perfectly formed pop jewels.” Popmatters said, “The Singles excel in American power pop, all crunchy chords, catchy melodies and killer harmonies.” And USA Today said, “If you need a rock ’n’ roll release… I think I have the perfect song” referring to lead off single ‘Inamorata’.

The album, and songs from it, have broken into the top 20 on national indie radio charts. Since the release, the band has toured the US extensively. Gigs have included Southern California festivals, and support for national touring acts Brody Dalle, Holly Golightly, and The Weeks. The Singles will play over 100 shows this year with plans to tour internationally in 2015.

Press Quotes
"If you need a rock ‘n’ roll release… I think I have the perfect song. The Singles’ ‘Inamorata’ hooked me instantly. The duo, which formed in Detroit, pulls from some of my favorite bands to create a glam garage sound all its own."   -USA TODAY 

"Throughout 13 tracks, you’ll find sundry, buzzed love (Inamorata), sorrow-fueled twang (It’s So Hard To Get Over You) and the misleadingly optimistic (We Don’t Talk Anymore)."  -CMJ

"The Singles do karaoke, pay homage to T. Rex in new video." -AV CLUB

"…perfectly formed pop jewels crammed full of catchy hooks. A lovely, feelgood gem of a record." -NEIL HUSSEY, SHINDIG MAGAZINE UK

"Los Angeles via Detroit rockers The Singles excel in ’70s/’80s style American power pop, all crunchy chords, catchy melodies and killer harmonies." -POPMATTERS

OPENING: The Hypocrites Present Gilbert & Sullivan Rep #FamilyFriendly #Theatre

The Hypocrites are truly a treat. Highly recommended. Consider gifting your loved ones with tickets to this triple play. Last year we had the pleasure of seeing Mikado and it was one of our top favorites of the year. The Hypocrites worked the promenade style exceedingly well, and pulled the audience right into the show. This year we plan on checking out the acclaimed H.M.S. Pinafore and Pirates of Penzance as well.

ChiIL Mama & the kids ChiILin' at The Hypocrites' Mikado 


Gilbert & Sullivan Rep
Directed by Sean Graney and Thrisa Hodits
Music Direction by Andra Velis Simon

featuring the world premiere adaptation of
H.M.S. Pinafore
Adaption by Sean Graney, Matt Kahler & Andra Velis Simon

along with the highly anticipated return of BOTH
Pirates of Penzance 
Adaption by Sean Graney & Kevin O'Donnell
and
Mikado
Adaption by Sean Graney


Looking for something fun to do with the family
this Thanksgiving holiday week?
Join The Hypocrites for the first week of
H.M.S. Pinafore:

Wed 11/26/2014 8:00 PM
Fri 11/28/2014 8:00 PM
Sat 11/29/2014 8:00 PM
Sun 11/30/2014 3:00 PM
Mon 12/1/2014 8:00 PM

H.M.S. Pinafore: Nov 26th-Feb 7th
Mikado: Dec 11th-Feb 7th
Pirates: Dec 18th-Feb 7th

The Hypocrites are one of our top local favorites, and the Jeff Committee seems to agree with us. We're elated to see The Mikado will return December 2014-February 2015 along with the whole Gilbert & Sullivan Rep. 


Mash Note to Mikado:

Dear Hypocrites Mikado-- We were so elated to see you last December. You lit up the darkest, coldest of times with flash and panache. We told everyone we knew about you and couldn't wait to introduce them to you. Of course you charmed anyone who came within reach of your siren's song!

You didn't just break down the 4th wall, you ran rings around it! We were so impressed with your acting, costumes, and the whole interactive, participatory vibe. You were a colorful, riotous explosion of song, dance and fun and a blast to spend an evening with.

We can't wait to see you again!
ChiIL Mama & the kids

The intimate tent like setting full of tiny bulbs was a welcoming beacon of warmth and celebration of light at the darkest time of the year. The rag tag band of circus sorts doing a hybrid of the traditional Mikado score with an utterly unique and playful spin was a compelling mix. We adore the improv elements The Hypocrites employ and the way they truly engaged the crowd and played off of them and WITH them.








Promenade staging (or shows where the audience stands and mingles in the performance space and follows the action, moving as needed) was used to great effect for The Hypocrites runaway hit, The Mikado. We've honestly never seen the 3rd wall so effectively broken down. The Mikado was playful, fun, interactive and highly effective as a promenade style piece.  

This past year, The House Theatre's acclaimed Dorian production was promenade style, as was a Midsummer Night's Dream at Strange Loop Theatre among others. Red Moon Theatre's Bellboys, Bears and Baggage, was billed as a promenade style spectacle, too. Yet we've never seen the style pulled off as well as The Mikado does.


Reviews from Mikado and Pirates:

★★★★ (out of ★★★★)   

"The Hypocrites apply their winning formula of hip deconstruction and dark comedy to the cherished operetta"
Chicago Tribune

"Spirited, affectionate, and nearly irresistible"
Boston Globe

"Terrific...The Hypocrites' musicianship has never sounded better."
TimeOut Chicago




All Our Tragic Returns June-August 2015

Missed All Our Tragic this time around?
Saw it but wanted to come back or tell your friends?
Well now you have a second chance
Buy your tickets for next summer now

The Hypocrites at
Den Theatre Mainstage 
1329 N Milwaukee  

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